Cooley Dickinson Hospital receives award from American Heart Association for stroke treatment
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital has received a 2025 “Get With The Guidelines” quality achievement award from the American Heart Association for excellence in treatment of stroke. The honor was given with “Gold Plus” distinction, the highest level of the award given by the American Heart Association.
The award recognizes Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s commitment to the association’s in-hospital program that ensures patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. In addition to following treatment guidelines, ‘Get With The Guidelines’ participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their conditions at home.
“The ‘Get With The Guidelines’ award is a true reflection of the dedication and effort of our entire team, who go above and beyond national guidelines to set their own high standards in stroke care,” Dr. Sundeep Shukla, associate chief medical officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, said in a statement.
“This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to our stroke patients, and it honors the dedication, compassion and expertise of our entire team,” added EMS & Stroke Program Coordinator Ben Hogan. “Achieving this level of recognition demonstrates that we consistently meet and exceed rigorous standards for treatment and outcomes.”
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and a leading cause of disability, in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Cooley Dickinson for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” Dr. Steven Messe, chair of the American Heart Association’s Stroke System of Care Advisory Group, said in a statement. “Participation in ‘Get With The Guidelines’ is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Sunderland, Ashfield artists benefit from Project Evolution grants
SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ ValleyCreates program is awarding $80,000 in Project Evolution grants to 16 Pioneer Valley artists, including two in Franklin County: Karol Matuszak of Ashfield and Meegan Schreiber of Sunderland.
This marks the third cohort of artists since the launch of the Project Evolution grants in 2022, with each recipient being chosen from a pool of past Capacity-Building Grant recipients. With this support, the artists will bring new projects to life and continue shaping the creative landscape.
“We’re excited to continue uplifting our past Capacity grantees, providing the support they need to create new work and move existing projects into the next stage,” Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Senior Program Officer Nicole Bourdon said in a statement. “This cohort reflects the incredible range of artistry in our region, with projects spanning the areas of visual and fine arts, performing arts, folk and traditional arts, writing, music and multidisciplinary work.”
Project Evolution grants provide artists who live or have studio space in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties with project grant support totaling $5,000, cohort learning and coaching, and additional project-administration-oriented professional development to ensure that their projects take shape and evolve into their next stage.
GCC recognized as 26th best community college in U.S.
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College has been recognized as the 26th best community college in the United States, according to SmartAsset’s comprehensive ranking.
SmartAsset evaluated 585 community colleges nationwide, focusing on factors such as tuition and fees, student-to-faculty ratios and retention rates.
“Our top 30 national ranking is a testament to our commitment to educational excellence and support services,” GCC President Michelle Schutt said in a statement. “The passion and dedication of our staff and faculty to provide life-changing opportunities continue to shine through.”
“To be recognized in this ranking is a testament to our truly remarkable faculty and staff,” Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Shanni Smith-Arsenault added. “GCC fully embraces a culture of community dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.”
During the ranking assessment, GCC held a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, a retention rate of full-time students of 73%, and annual in-state tuition and fees of $5,810. Since then, the student-to-faculty ratio has improved to 10:1, and Massachusetts residents can now enjoy free tuition at GCC, widening access to higher education.